Both papers focus on the dynamics of female empowerment within the context of identity (religion) mobilization in Nigeria/Africa. “Negotiating Empowerment” highlights the contradictions that arise from the use of Islamic reform as a tool of empowerment by Muslim women in Africa. Olarinmoye argues that such use raises the possibility of the empowerment discourse being used to legitimize more violent activities associated with Islamic reform.

The book chapter, “Nigeria’s Solidarity with South Africa’s Liberation Struggle” was co-authored with Eghosa Osaghae, vice-chancellor of Igbinedion University in Nigeria. It appears in volume five of The Road to Democracy in South Africa: African Solidarity. The chapter is a detailed survey of Nigeria’s contribution to the success of the anti-apartheid struggle and enthronement of multi-racial democracy in South Africa.